Every US LLC, in every state, is legally required to have a Registered Agent. If you skip this or your agent resigns, your LLC can be dissolved by the state. Here is what you actually need to know.
What a Registered Agent does
A Registered Agent is a person or company located in your LLC's state of formation. Their job is to receive official mail on your behalf — service of process (lawsuits), state tax notices, and annual report reminders — and forward them to you.
The agent must have a physical street address in the state (not a PO box) and be available during normal business hours.
Why you can't just use your own address
If you are not a resident of the state where the LLC is formed, you cannot be the Registered Agent.
Even if you are a resident, listing your home address makes it public and means a process server can show up at your home to deliver a lawsuit. Most owners prefer to keep this off their personal address.
What a good Registered Agent costs
Industry standard is $50-$150 per year. Premium services charge more but rarely add value beyond mail scanning.
Bastion Formations includes Registered Agent service in every state package — Wyoming starts at $29/year.
What to look for
Same-day mail scanning and email forwarding.
Compliance reminders before annual reports are due (so your LLC doesn't get dissolved for a missed filing).
A clear cancellation policy if you change agents later.
Long track record — switching agents costs a state filing fee of $25-$100.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don't have a Registered Agent?+
The state will eventually dissolve your LLC for being out of compliance. Reinstating it costs a few hundred dollars and you lose any liability protection you had during the lapsed period.
Can I be my own Registered Agent?+
Only if you live in the LLC's state of formation, have a physical address there, and are available during business hours. Non-US residents cannot be their own agent.
How do I change my Registered Agent?+
File a 'change of registered agent' form with the state. It usually costs $25-$100 and takes a few days. Your new agent typically handles the paperwork for you.
Open your US LLC the easy way
Formation, EIN and Registered Agent in one fixed-price package. Real humans on WhatsApp when you need help.